Teaching a Foreign Language to Adults

Abstract

The article gives an overview of the fundamentals of andragogy, a branch of pedagogy studying the psycho-pedagogical problems of adult learning. It also analyses some specific aspects and problems of teaching foreign languages to adult learners. The author emphasizes the fact that it is necessary to organize the teaching process so that it helps students pursue their professional goals, makes sure that besides obtaining language skills they acquire professional competencies and skills and gives priority to independent learning activities allowing students to apply the competencies and skills they already possess. The article describes the experience that has been accumulated by the Foreign Trade Academy in teaching adult learners and gives recommendations to faculties engaged in teaching adult learners.